Welcome to another podcast conversation of Beyond Barriers, a community dedicated to promoting accessibility awareness through discussions with accessibility leaders around the world. In this episode, Brian Gavin, co-founder of Wally, speaks with Jonathan Cool, a pioneer in accessibility since the 1970s.
You can listen to the audio or read the transcript below.
Embracing Accessibility: An Essential Business Shift
What drives the need for accessibility in modern businesses?
Jonathan: "Accessibility has transformed from being a compliance checkbox to a core element of user experience. When accessibility is a foundational part of the business, it becomes about people, inclusion, and tapping into a broader audience that includes those with disabilities. This isn’t just ethical; it’s also a smart business decision."
Brian: "Seeing accessibility as more than a requirement really shifts the conversation toward empathy and building real connections with users."
Integrating Accessibility as a Core Principle
How can companies start integrating accessibility as a core business principle?
Jonathan: "To make accessibility work, you start at the top. Leadership has to understand the value of it, and that commitment trickles down. Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix; it’s about embedding it into the culture, design, and development processes from day one."
Prioritizing Accessibility in the Product Lifecycle
How should accessibility be prioritized across the product development cycle?
Jonathan: "Accessibility is most effective when considered from the start of the product lifecycle. By making it part of the design phase, the development phase, and even in testing, you can catch issues before they become costly fixes. Proactive integration of accessibility means fewer hurdles down the road."
Key Metrics for Accessibility Success
How can organizations measure the success of their accessibility efforts?
Jonathan: "The metrics for accessibility go beyond technical audits. User satisfaction, task completion rates, and overall engagement of users with disabilities are critical indicators. An accessible product doesn’t just comply with standards; it meets the needs of all users."
Brian: "Success metrics here are so valuable, not just from a compliance standpoint but in demonstrating real user impact."
Role of Testaro in Accessibility Testing
Can you tell us about Testaro and its role in accessibility?
Jonathan: "Testaro is an automated testing tool specifically built for accessibility. It’s designed to support teams in identifying common accessibility barriers, like issues with screen readers or keyboard navigation, early in the development process. What sets Testaro apart is its focus on real-world testing scenarios, helping companies catch accessibility issues that might be missed in traditional QA."
The Human Element in Accessibility
What’s the role of human testing alongside automated tools like Testaro?
Jonathan: "Automated tools like Testaro handle a significant portion of accessibility checks, but the human element remains vital. Human testers can identify nuances and contextual issues that machines can miss. Accessibility is a human-centered domain, and that perspective is crucial in the final validation stages."
Brian: "Automation has come a long way, but hearing you stress the human side really emphasizes that accessibility is ultimately about real people interacting with products."
Training and Knowledge Building for Accessibility
How do you approach training teams in accessibility?
Jonathan: "Training is foundational. At our company, we ensure everyone from designers to developers understands accessibility basics. We conduct regular workshops, provide resources, and even offer certifications. Building accessibility knowledge within teams means creating a long-term shift, not just a temporary focus."
Brian: "Training isn’t just about skills; it’s about building a mindset that values accessibility as a continuous practice."
Overcoming Common Accessibility Challenges
What are some common barriers companies face in becoming more accessible?
Jonathan: "A big barrier is lack of awareness. Many teams aren’t aware of the challenges people with disabilities face, so they unintentionally create barriers. Another challenge is resource allocation. Companies often feel they lack the time or budget, but accessible practices don’t have to be costly or time-consuming when integrated early."
The Financial Case for Accessibility
Is there a financial case to be made for accessibility?
Jonathan: "Absolutely. Accessibility opens up your product to a larger audience. Studies have shown that people with disabilities and their families represent a significant portion of the market. Making your product accessible isn’t just socially responsible; it’s financially sound."
Brian: "The financial perspective resonates with businesses that need to see the ROI of accessibility, beyond the compliance factor."
Looking Ahead: The Future of Accessibility in Business
What does the future hold for accessibility in business?
Jonathan: "We’re heading into a future where accessibility will be a baseline expectation, not an extra. As technology advances, we’ll see more sophisticated tools and processes to help companies maintain and improve accessibility. But fundamentally, it’s about fostering inclusive mindsets and building accessibility into the DNA of business operations."
Brian: "Hearing that accessibility is becoming foundational to business is inspiring. It’s a shift we’re all excited to see unfold."
